NSAIDs

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin and naproxen help to relieve pain and fever, and they can reduce swelling and inflammation. They work at the site of the pain by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the brain and in the tissues surrounding the damaged area.

Ibuprofen can be given to children from three months in liquid form. For adults, ibuprofen is available as tablets, capsules, gels and patches to treat most types of pain.

For adults: up to 400mg can be taken up to three times a day, no more frequently than every four hours and no more than 1200mg should be taken in any 24-hour period. Examples: Nurofen 200mg Tablets, Cuprofen 400mg Tablets.

Customers who have or have had asthma or stomach ulcers should speak to the pharmacist before taking ibuprofen.

Diclofenac is useful for relieving pain and inflammation affecting the joints and muscles. It is only available as a gel, after oral diclofenac was reclassified as a prescription medicine. 

Aspirin is only suitable for adults and children over 16 years due to a possible association with Reye's syndrome, a brain and liver disease that affects children. Customers who have or have had asthma or stomach ulcers or who are taking anticoagulant medication (e.g. warfarin) should speak to the pharmacist before taking aspirin. Examples: Disprin, Anadin Original.

Naproxen can be recommended to treat period pain and cramps (also called dysmenorrhoea) in women aged 15-50 years.

Two 250mg tablets should be taken as soon as the pain begins and a further 250mg tablet can be taken six to eight hours later, if needed. On the second and third days, one tablet should be taken every six to eight hours, if needed. No more than three 250mg tablets should be taken per day and for no more than three days in any one cycle. Example: Feminax Ultra.